For four consecutive years, the shelter has recorded annual increases in the number of adoptions.

“We couldn’t have reached this level of success without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, the town and community,” said Assistant Shelter Manager Rose Digilio. “We’re a community organization and we need continued community support.”

Thanks to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, these two kittens have found a new home with Christopher Orzolek.(Photo11: ~Somerset Regional Animal Shelter)

Both Bradshaw and Digilio were hired by Bridgewater Township in 2014.

Of the 254 animals adopted in 2013, dogs accounted for 34, 196 were cats and 24 were "other" (small and “pocket pets” such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds).

The number dramatically increased to 725 in 2014, 764 in 2015 and 840 in 2016.

Of the 992 pets adopted in 2017, 475 were dogs, 503 were cats and 14 were "other."

"It was a very busy year for us,” Bradshaw said. “In addition to caring for our own local population of homeless pets, we took in animals in desperate need from Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico following the hurricanes, as well as nearby hoarding cases."

In August, two dozen cats were rescued from an apartment in Bridgewater.

Also during the summer, the shelter housed dogs from Texas after Hurricane Harvey and from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

In recognition of the shelter's turnaround, in October, the Bridgewater Township Council hosted a reception for shelter staffers and volunteers. The shelter also is contracted for animal control services in Bridgewater and Manville.

The Somerset Regional Animal Shelter is open seven days a week for adoptions from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays until 7 p.m. For more information, call 908-725-0308 or visit srasnj.org.